Tips for viewing rare owls to keep birds and people safe

8:54 AM,
Mar. 29, 2013

Dr. Roy Dunlap photographed this great gray owl in 2005 at his farm in the town of Amherst.

Written by

the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Great gray, northern hawk, and boreal owls have been sighted across the state in recent months, offering some great opportunities to view these unique birds. To enjoy these opportunities but avoid adding to the owls' stress, state bird experts recommend that birders, photographers, and other observers follow a few simple guidelines.

"These owls are here because of a lack of food in the north and some of them are stressed from their long flights, unfamiliar surroundings, and a late winter," says Andy Paulios, DNR wildlife biologist.